Manitoba’s Flood Control Structures Under Review

The Red River Floodway gates south of Winnipeg as seen on May 1, 2011. (STAN MILOSEVIC / CHRISD.CA FILE)

The Manitoba government has launched an operational review of the Red River Floodway, Portage Diversion, Fairford Water Control Structure.

Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton said on Wednesday the review’s findings will be used to establish interim operating rules for the water control structures while work is underway on a new Lake Manitoba outlet and the Lake St. Martin channel.

“The province’s water control structures were designed to work as a flood protection system and none of these three structures operate independently,” Ashton said. “This review will help us ensure they operate effectively to complement each other and continue to protect Manitobans from the threat of flooding and other severe weather.”

Those affected by the 2011 flood had complained the Portage Diversion, in particular, wasn’t used under proper operating guidelines when land was deliberately flooded near the Hoop and Holler Bend west of Winnipeg.

It’s the first time operating guidelines for the three structures will be reviewed with a focus on how they are operated in co-ordination.